2026 Electric Distribution Reliability Improvements

The Board of Water, Light and Sinking Fund Commissioners of the City of Dalton, Georgia (d/b/a Dalton Utilities) is procuring construction and labor services for the 2026 Electric Distribution Reliability Improvements project. The contractor will furnish all labor and equipment necessary to construct and maintain 7,200/12,470 and 14,400/24,940 VAC 3-phase overhead and underground distribution lines, including installation and removal of poles, capacitor banks, transformers, switches, underground risers, and related distribution line work. The scope requires 40 hours per week labor (excluding holidays and inclement weather) from March 30, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with Dalton Utilities providing all materials. Detailed pricing must be submitted on an hourly basis for labor categories (foreman, A-lineman, apprentice, and operator) and equipment categories (bucket trucks, line trucks, pickups, trailers, and specialized equipment). Key qualification requirements include participation in the E-Verify Program pursuant to Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act (SB 529), possession of all necessary Georgia ITS certifications, and comprehensive insurance coverage including Worker's Compensation, General Liability (minimum $1,000,000 per person/$2,000,000 per accident), $1,000,000 property damage, automobile liability, Owner's Protective Liability, a $5,000,000 umbrella policy, and Builder's Risk or Installation Floater Insurance. Evaluation criteria include price, schedule, experience on similar projects, and references. Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid meeting on February 18, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at the Dalton Utilities Administration Building; pre-qualification packages due by 5:00 P.M. on February 9, 2026; bidder notifications by 5:00 P.M. on February 11, 2026; and sealed bids due by 10:00 A.M. on March 11, 2026. Contract signing is scheduled for approximately March 23, 2026, with an official start date of March 30, 2026.

No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses are mentioned in the procurement documents. All contractors and subcontractors must comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to electrical distribution construction. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The contractor shall provide a one-year warranty on all work from the completion date and comply with all applicable electrical codes and safety standards for distribution line work. Progress payments will be made monthly with retainage of up to 10 percent until 50 percent of the total contract price is due, after which retainage may be discontinued if work progress is satisfactory. Bids are valid for 60 days after the scheduled closing time, and no bid may be withdrawn for 60 days following the bid opening. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the procurement announcement.